Classical Pursuits director Melanie Blake hosted a webinar,
"The First 300 Years of Quebecois Literature". Watch the recording
here. (58 min.)
Discussion Readings:
Michèle Lalonde’s “Speak White” and Marco Micone’s reply poem, “Speak What”
Selected poetry and prose from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
What does it mean to be Québecois? The ever-changing answer to this question will guide us as we explore ideas about Québecois identity and culture through 20th-century literature. We’ll focus especially on works that relate to and came after the Quiet Revolution. This was a series of events in the 1960s that reshaped Québec’s relationship with the Catholic Church and the rest of Canada.
Guided tours with a local historian will help us trace the path to revolution, from the founding of Québec through the present. We’ll also follow in the footsteps of detective novelist Louise Penny, whose works frequently address the idea of a changing Québec. Through visits to cultural institutions like the Maison de la Littérature and Le Diamant, you’ll come away with an appreciation for contemporary literature and a better understanding of how 20th-century educational, political, and social reforms made today’s Québec.
All this while enjoying one of North America’s oldest and most beautiful cities. June offers warm weather and long days, with plenty of time to enjoy the city’s charming historic streets, outdoor dining scene, and gorgeous views over the St. Lawrence river from the Château Frontenac and other landmarks.
You’ll unwind from the day’s activities in distinctive accommodation. Le Monastère des Augustines is a former monastery run by the Augustinian sisters, who arrived in 1639. The cells and cloisters have been turned into bright, comfortable rooms and public spaces with a focus on relaxation and healing.
Join us to explore the fascinating multicultural and multilingual literary heritage of Québec City, UNESCO City of Literature.
What’s included: Accommodation in double occupancy, based on hotel listed or similar; meals as specified in the itinerary; all activities as specified in the itinerary; experienced local English-speaking guides for sightseeing; all entrance fees; literary discussions; books and readings; gratuities for local guides, drivers, hotel staff, and group meals fully escorted by Discussion Leader Melanie Blake
Suzanne Bodner has created and led tours to France, England, Italy, Canada and the US for more than 10 years. Her first career was as a teacher of ESL to francophones at institutions in France and Canada.